Nadia Wera is a passionate natural hair stylist, and entrepreneur, with a passion for celebrating the beauty and versatility through hair.
As the founder of Hairbru, a thriving salon that has been in business for over five years, she specializes in natural hair care, braiding, and custom wig-making, offering both styling services and educational classes. Her expertise extends beyond the salon, having worked as a stylist in the film industry, where she brings creativity and precision to on-screen hair transformations.
Nadia has worked on various productions, ensuring authenticity and representation for diverse talent. Passionate about educating others, Nadia offers workshops that blend hands-on skills with industry insights, aiming to bridge the gap in textured hair representation on screen. Their dedication to craftsmanship and inclusion makes them a sought-after professional in the evolving landscape of film and media.
When and how did you start in the media production industry?
I started working in media & film in 2020, during the pandemic. My studio, Hairbru, and many other non-essential businesses were on lockdown. My make-up stylist friend reached out to me to construct a wig for a film project that was shooting in the summer of that year. Once I completed making the wig, the directors invited me on set to help install the wig on the gentleman actor as there weren’t any stylists around who knew much about wigs. With nothing else to do, I obliged; that was my first gig in film.
What area of the film industry do you work in now and why?
I work as a film stylist specializing in natural hair styling and wigs. My focus is ensuring the characters look aligned with the story, personalities and the overall vision of the production. I chose this field because hair plays a huge role in storytelling- whether it’s reflecting a character’s background, era or transformation throughout a film. With my expertise in hair, I feel I bring authenticity and creativity to each project, ensuring every style enhances the narrative while also being practical for the demands of filming.
What has been a substantial change in the industry since you started?
There has been a significant growth in production volume, driven by increased tax incentives and a rising demand for content. Manitoba Media & Film Production Tax remains one of the most competitive, attracting more international and domestic productions. With that, there’s been an increased need for skilled hair and makeup professionals.
Furthermore, there’s been a stronger push for diversity and inclusion in casting, crew hiring and storytelling in underrepresented communities. It’s an amazing time to be in.
If you could give yourself advice today to yourself in the past, what would it be?
I’d say stay true to your niche. In an industry like film, where trends come and go, staying true to your unique skills sets you apart. Network! Talk to people and absorb as much as you can.
Stick to your guns when it comes to your worth. Ask for the rate you deserve.
FInally, take care of your mental health.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the media production industry?
Build yourself a strong portfolio. Whether it’s through internships, training or independent work, build a portfolio that reflects what you can do. You can use it as a visual resume in a creative environment like film or media.
Why is learning and training important?
Skill Development – The more you learn and train, the more you refine your skills.
Increased Opportunities – Continuous learning makes you more marketable and attractive to employers or collaborators.
Personal Growth – Learning doesn’t just expand your professional abilities; it can boost your personal confidence and sense of accomplishment.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
In 10 years, I envision myself as an expert in textured hair for film and media, having transformed how the industry approaches and represents diverse hair types. I’d love to create and make hairpieces and wigs for major productions. I’d also like to be known for advocacy in the film industry, regularly consulted for projects needing diverse hair expertise and helping productions build more inclusive teams.
Contact info:
Nadia Wera
Hairbru
691 Corydon Ave, Winnipeg MB R3M 0W4
E: nadia@hairbru.com
Instagram: ms_hairbru
Facebook page: the_hairbru
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.